Background

Northland's aquaculture industry earns an estimated $20 million a year and directly employs about 320 people.

The sector is dominated by the farming of Pacific oysters, which accounts for more than 90% of regional aquaculture earnings. Mussel farming is another key contributor.

The region is also the location of New Zealand 's largest aquaculture facility, NIWA's $3 million state-of-the-art research complex at Bream Bay, just south of Whangarei .

Aquaculture is New Zealand 's fastest-growing seafood industry sector. However, a NIWA report in 2003 found that aquaculture in Northland was growing at a slower rate than both the New Zealand and Australian industries. The report noted that Northland had a good range of growing conditions, good existing infrastructure and candidate species, and identified six marine species with the potential to develop Northland's aquaculture to a $100 million-a-year industry.

The future of the industry is largely dependent on legislative moves, at both central and regional government level.

Further information regarding aquaculture can be viewed on the Northland Regional Council website at the following link: Aquaculture Management

For more information, and links, about this industry in Northland, visit the regional website www.northlandnz.com